Amongst the many styles of architecture of the various Neemrana ‘non-hotel’ Hotels is The Pataudi Palace which sprawls across some ten acres of greenland in the vast countryside of Haryana. The main palace faces fountains and a large rose garden and has 10 large suites, each with an ante room, dressing room as well as bathrooms. The palace is flanked by two colonial bungalows, one with five guest rooms and a charming private garden, a private cricket ground, as well as a badminton court. The other one is used by the royal family whenever they visit Pataudi. The main palace also houses a well-equipped billiards room. The palace was designed by the Austrian architect Karl Molt Von Heinz in the style of the grand colonial mansions of Imperial Delhi, somewhat resembling the stunning grand residence of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces built by Russell – now called the Teen Murti House.

After being the home of two generations of the Nawabs of Pataudi, Iftikhar Ali Khan and Mansur Ali Khan – both cricket legends – this palace gave entry to Sharmila Tagore. And today, The Pataudi Palace is famous as the home of two generations of Bollywood stars which include Soha and Saif Ali Khan.

It was here, among others, where Mangal Pandey, Veer Zara, Rang De Basanti, Gandhi My Father and now Eat, Pray, Love – starring the legendary Hollywood star Julia Roberts – were filmed. Needless to mention The Pataudi Palace offers vast opportunities for creative directors who use locales with an inventive imagination.